Withdrawal of import ban by European Union may not benefit Bengal mango

SILIGURI: Recent withdrawal of ban on mango import from India by the European Union countries may not yield any immediate positive result for West Bengal, one of the largest mango producing states in the country. The hindrance is not quality of the fruit, but primitive pre and post harvest handling practice of people.

"Against average annual statewide yield of 6 to 7 lakh metric ton(MT), the figure may cross 10 lakh MT this year putting us under heavy pressure of overproduction. Withdrawal of import ban in EU is a definite breather at this moment," said Mr. S. Misra, President, Malda Mango Merchants Association. Malda is the largest mango producing district in West Bengal.

Out of total Indian export of 41280 ton in 2013-14, EU’s consumption was 3381 ton. "The figure was not too big. But, trend in EU market leaves significant effect on global market. As the ban created a major negative impact globally, we expect withdrawal of that to reverse the situation giving us better export business this time," said Mr. U Saha, Secretary West Bengal Exporters Coordination Committee.

But the benefit may not come that straight. "EU policy demands clear traceability of all pre harvest to post harvest stages of the fruit being exported," said Dr. C. B. Singh, Assistant General Manager, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority.

But, "As per the traditional practice stage of trade, fruit of one orchard often gets mixed with other. Stock is only sorted out as per size, verity or ripeness- that too without maintaining any database documentation. Health and hygiene of handling workers are also not always kept under watch," accepted people engaged in Malda mango trade. Naturally, "It carries high risk of rejection. Mango sector here must adopt overall modernization to mark footprint in global arena," said market experts.

Following the ban imposed in May 2014, an EU Audit Team visited India in September, 2014. Based upon its satisfactory report on the corrective measures taken by India especially in the sector of phytosanitary control system, the ban was withdrawn in January 2015.